2007 HSV GTS Reviews

The initials "GTS" meant something special from Holden.The legendary initials may have been passed to HSV but carry greater importance with new E-Series cars arrival. The new GTS 307 (power output) storms back to front and centre of the performance car world in Australia.As the first of a new genre, the VE series GTS will possibly become a collectors item, and will delight those fortunate enough to own and drive one.It's about as "in your face" as a four door sedan can get more than matching the fast and flash hyper-sedans from BMW, Benz and Audi for wow value.It isn't far behind in terms of handling and performance but the GTS costs about half as much.Refinements have flowed into the new model #comthe like of which we haven't yet seen in an Aussie-built car _Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) and priority key presets that automatically set the aircon, audio, seat, trip computer and speed alert.It's still a rear wheel drive with a pushrod V8 but that's no handicap when push comes to shove because this big brute has the grunt to make you wince and the handling to make your head spin from lateral forces.#comIt's to be expected when you look at HSV's progression from fairly mild beginnings to the wild but refined things coming off the line today.The GTS is the top of the HSV performance tree offering acceleration no other Aussie car can match.#comand cornering to rival anything from Europe.The heart of the matter is a big lump of an alloy V8 displacing 6.0-litres and cranking out a beefy 307kW/550Nm output.It needs 98 octane fuel to do this but you wouldn't feed the LS2 donk anything but the best.It will accelerate from 0-100kmh in less than 5.0 seconds _ impressive considering the car's weight. But on the open road the GTS really comes into its own providing superb roll-on acceleration and rapid throttle response that everyone should experience at least once in their life.This is all underpinned by a gorgeous throaty V8 rumble bellowing from the quad exhaust outlets.The test vehicle was equipped with a six speed automatic that offers sequential change mode and adaptive operation. It is sweet as a nut but can annoy occasionally by holding a gear too long.If you want more control, use the sequential change.It rolls on massive 20in wheels with super low profile 35 and 30 aspect tyres front and rear. They look like rubber bands and don't do a lot for ride comfort. But the MRC suspension does.The "normal" mode softens things up while button selected "Track" mode sets the dampers hard for race-track grip and response. It bangs a clatters a little but there is virtually no give in the tyres.Powerful braking is provided by massive AP Racing discs clamped by quad piston calipers all round but the width of the tyres does wonders for traction in all three planes _ acceleration, braking and cornering.#comThe MRC uses metal particles in the dampers to alter their stiffness.Steering response is lightening fast thanks in part to the low profile tyres. Fuel consumption ranges from heavy to acceptable with as little as 13 litres/100km achievable. Boot it and it will shoot up to the 20s.The car has sensational styling with body add-ons totally transforming the sedan look into something out of a race-car sci-fi. The rear splitter under the bumper is huge, there's a V8 Supercar style rear wing, massive front vents and it's capped off by those gorgeous 20in wheels.The interior is a little tamer lit-up by red inserts in the upholstery. A three dial pod caps the centre console area and the flat bottom wheel has multiple functions.It's comfortable and sporty and when cruising, almost silent inside.Premium audio kicks out 230 watts through 11 speakers and you can plug your iPod into the auxiliary input. A Bluetooth phone system is built in. There's a full size spare.The GTS scores plenty of luxury but misses out on satnav as standard and the headlights are halogen, not xenon.Small criticisms in a car costing $76,990, $2000 less for the manual.Excitement follows this car around. Park it and watch the attraction.#com It's a worthy holder of HSV's top dog position in a lineup that contains some of Australia's most desi rable cars.